AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAINS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The evolving sunflower plant breeders’ rights (PBR) landscape in South Africa
Hosted by the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) at Rhodes University 
 
Increased investment in the agriculture and seed industry in South Africa has triggered significant debate on Intellectual Property rights as they apply to this industry. 
It is important to develop new and improved plant varieties as there is a continuous demand for better quality, higher yields, better processing properties and increased disease resistance. However, in order for breeders to benefit from their investment in research and avoid exploitation of their work, they need to be protected and receive returns on of their investments. Innovation can be stimulated by proper collaboration between the private and public sectors, aided by improved broader variety sector legislation that encourages all players to invest.  

Dr Binganidzo Muchara and Dr Charity Nhemachena of the Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership will present a study which analyses the evolving landscape of sunflower plant breeders’ rights in South Africa and discusses the critical collaboration and policy factors necessary to progress. 

CHAIR:                           
Prof Cyril Nhlanhla Mbatha 
Director, Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), Rhodes University

CO-PRESENTERS:        
Dr Binganidzo Muchara
Dr Charity Nhemachena
Department of Finance & Economics, Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL)

RESPONDENT:           
Prof Michael Aliber
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Fort Hare

TO REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YAD-NqGgRjGAUOn52sT8wQ